AAU Concussion Policy

Concern about athlete well-being is upper-most in the mind of all sports governing bodies. Around the country states are adopting Concussion legislation in efforts to tend to the health and well-being of athletes. Soon all states will have Concussion legislation on the books and Congress is looking at adopting legislation on the Federal level.

The AAU has joined the movement with the following:

It is the purpose of the Amateur Athletic Union of the United States, Inc. ("AAU"), to promote amateur sports and we wish for our members/participants who participate to do so in a manner that provides reasonable safety for their well-being.

The events and activities that are licensed by AAU are run by local host(s, local organizing committee(s), and/or member clubs. Athletic activities involve risks and dangers of injury and accidents may occur sometimes without fault. Available medical assistance may vary from venue to venue. The AAU recognizes that the potential for harm from concussions is a serious matter. While some accidents and even concussions may occur, the basis for the AAU's Concussion Policy is based upon trying to limit the potential harm, which could result from continued participation after such an injury.

We have therefore establishedthis Concussion Policy for and on behalf of the AAU, which is as follows: Where there is reasonable cause to believe that a concussion may have occurred, such participant shall not be allowed to continue his/her participation in an AAU licensed event/activity without a medical release to resume such participation.

The AAU recommends all of its coaches, and other non-athlete members working with youth athletes avail themselves to the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) Head's Up program. Coaches and other club leaders can take a free on-line course that will provide important information in the recommendation and decision-making in handling situations that may involve concussion injuries. This course will only take approximately 30 minutes of your day.

The CDC also has downloadable handouts for athletes and their parents.

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About AAU

The AAU was founded in 1888 to establish standards and uniformity in amateur sports. During its early years, the AAU served as a leader in international sport representing the U.S. in the international sports federations. The AAU worked closely with the Olympic movement to prepare athletes for the Olympic games. After the Amateur Sports Act of 1978, the AAU has focused its efforts into providing sports programs for all participants of all ages beginning at the grass roots level. The philosophy of "Sports for All, Forever," is shared by over 650,000 participants and over 100,000 volunteers.